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Hello guys, after reading the Crossover Rose of Zero, I wanted to make one as well so here goes nothing. Hope you all like it! Disclaimer: I own my OC's Drake and Tashibi, nothing else.
Chapter 1
One school to another
My name is Drake Ebony, adopted son of Earl Ebony and Carol Ebony, owners of THE largest producers of dust in the world along with several weapon producing companies. They adopted me when I was 8 because of my mother's birth defect, she was unable to produce offspring and seeing as they couldn't have a child of their own they turned to adoption.
They welcomed me into their home, raised me like their own child, and trained me to be the splitting image that was the Ebony name. My Father was strict and a great father figure while my mother was kind and gentle, she would often tell me stories of her time as an active huntress, the sights she'd seen, the monsters she'd fought, all of it sounded wonderful. She said she was trained at Beacon Academy, when asking my father about attending Beacon he's smiled and said I could go.
It was surprising to say the least, usually he never want me to leave home unless we were headed off as a family, now he was saying I could go ahead and attend Beacon. I was not going to question him, instead I thanked him and begun filling out Forms for Beacon, my father always hired the best tutors for me so I easily fulfilled the requirements for Beacon Academy, sadly having private tutors also meant I never really learned how to talk or interact with others. It didn't stop me though, after two weeks I found myself on this Airship to Beacon Academy with many others around my own age. I hope I can make some friends in this new place that is to be my new home.
=Note saved=
"So this is what the city looks like from above, funny, it looks much the roof of fathers Dust Factories." I thought closing my Scroll, attaching at to me belt I started watching out the window as the ship flew over the city. The News then came on; I never listened much to it. All I got was a Criminal Mastermind had robbed a Dust shop, and something about a Faunus protest. The news was switched off and replaced with, what I would assume was, a prerecorded message from a woman, she wore a white shirt, black skirt, had blond hair with glasses.
"Hello and Welcome to Beacon. My name is Glynda Goodwitch; you are among the privileged few who received the honor of attending this prestigious Academy. Our world is experiencing an incredible time of peace and as Future Huntsmen and Huntresses; it is your duty to uphold it. You have demonstrated the courage needed for such a task and now it is our turn to provide you with the knowledge and the training needed to protect our world." and with that her image vanished.
"Hey check it out!"
The others happily began looking out the window. Behind me I could hear someone moaning, looking back at him, he seemed like he was about to puke. It was clear he had motion sickness, much more common than people would think. Not even a moment later a girl with long blond hair kept yelling "Gross". Another younger looking girl in red and black kept telling her to get away because she had puke on her shoe, and personally I wasn't going to look and see if she was correct.
"This is going to be a long day." I chuckled grabbing a handkerchief from one of my cut-off sleeves.
"Oh Five elemental spirits..."
"What the hell?" I thought looking around the ship. "Did you hear something?" I asked no one in particular.
"Hear what? All I heard was my sister calling him "Vomit Boy"." The girl in red said pointing toward the front of the ship.
Looking back to the girl, she stared at me while blond haired girl, whom I assumed was her sister, whipped the vomit off her shoe with the handkerchief. Shaking my head I sighed "I must be hearing things." I said walking away from them, heading towards the front of the ship.
Outside I took a big, deep breath. "The air is so much cleaner here." I smiled looking across the large open courtyard.
"Heed my summoning..."
There is was again, what was that? Looking around I tried to find the source but once again no luck.
"We brought your luggage sir." a bag carrier said from behind. Looking back to him I smiled from behind the collar of my shirt and nodded.
"Hmm?" looking back I nodded. "Oh, thank you, I'll go ahead and take care of my things. Go ahead and get the next persons bags."
The carrier bowed and left to get a set of white briefcases. Looking at them closely I could see the Schnee symbol on each bag. Meaning Weiss Schnee was going to be it Beacon this year, personally I had no problem with the Schnee family however I don't know if she has the same attitude, for lack of a better word, towards my family so it's probably best I avoid her for the time being.
"And bring forth my familiar!"
"I swear I must be going insane! That's the third time I heard that voice!" a new voice groaned from beside me.
"Hmm?" I said looking beside me. "You heard that too?"
After a second I noticed I was looking at a pair of white bunny ears. Looking down I finally came face to face with what looked to be a small-medium sized Faunus. A girl that was about one to one and a half heads shorter than I was, her outfit was a purplish color, looked elegant and very well made, and it exposed her belly button and thighs. Her hair was long and white; her eyes were big and were an Aquamarine color. She had what looked like a size retracted lance and a shield. Oddly though the was one thing that caught my eye most out of her whole outfit, it was her gloves although they looked store made I could tell they were custom made because the gloves didn't have a slot for the Just a four fingered glove with a hole big enough for the thumb and joint.
"Yeah, that voice is giving me the creeps." she said wrapping her arms around herself, shivering.
"I know, but why can't anyone else hear it?" I thought out loud. "My name is Drake by the way. Drake Ebony."
"Nice to meet yam, names Tachibi."
"Odd name." I joked.
"Yeah well, my folks were a little... what's the word?"
"Creative?" I grabbed the cart of black luggage, pulling it along with me.
"Yeah, that's better than what I thought of." Tachibi chuckled walking along side me. "What's with the luggage?"
"Just some stuff from home. My old man sent some extra things with me, "Just in case" he said."
"Sounds like a nice guy to me."
"For the most pa-"
There was a sudden explosion from the court behind us, we looked back to see two girls one in red and the other in white, both covered in soot, yelling it one another.
"I probably don't want to know what happened there." Tachibi sighed.
I nodded in agreement, before seeing the symbol on one of the knocked over bags, it was the Schnee symbol, a snowflake. I sighed and shook my head, turning back around I felt something pulling on my luggage. Looking back once more I saw something I was sure was never there before. Some strange green oval thing and engulfed a portion of the cart.
"What the-" suddenly the cart was getting pulled farther and farther into that thing. "Whoa! What the hell?!"
The cart jerked, I lost my footing. Grabbing the cart, Tachibi helped pull but the more we pulled the more the cart was pulled in. After several seconds the cart was suddenly jerked and both of us were pulled inside, inside was pitch black like the void.
"Oh Five elemental spirits heed my summoning and bring forth my familiar!" Louise cast her wand downward; the result was a massive explosion.
The explosion caused the ground to shake and the shock wave knocked several students off their feet and onto the ground. Everywhere there was smoke, groans and coughs could be heard from within the big dust cloud.
"That's Louise for you..." once boy said sitting up off the ground.
"Was there any doubt?" Kirche coughed.
Tabitha, from within the cloud of dust, cast a quick spell summoning a cool breeze of wind to blow away the smoke. Looking over to Louise, Tabitha could see she stood there unharmed, however there was what looked to be some black luggage spewed everywhere in front of her. Where did at come from she wondered. From amongst the bags she could see a metal boot from beneath some of the bags.
"Bags?! My familiar is a bunch of bags?!" Louise shouted in anger, getting several laughs and giggles from her classmates. Louise's face turned a bright red.
Tabitha stood up and walked over to her, placing her hand on Louise shoulder she pointed to the pile of bags. "Buried." she said.
"Huh?" Louise followed Tabitha's gaze and finally noticed the boot from beneath the luggage.
Raising her staff, Tabitha cast another spell, the black bags begun to float off the ground before stacking into a neat little pile, revealing two unconscious figures sleeping on the ground, one girl and a boy.
"Oh? It seems Louise the Zero summoned something after all." Kirche chuckled.
The boy had long straight hair pulled and tied back into a ponytail. He had broad shoulders, and his arms were slightly muscular, Louise noticed he wore bladed boots, green camouflage jeans, a matching camouflage shirt with cut off sleeves that concealed his hands and his shirt collar covered the lower portion of his face, he wore a black bandanna on his covered with a white spiders. Louise could see he had two swords on his back.
The girl looked about as tall as Louise, maybe even a little shorter, she wore an elegant yet skimpy dress with a matching pair of shoes. Her hair was a pure white color matching her ears and tail... wait ears? And tail?
"Is that an animal spirit?" one girl said.
"Look it the boy, is he some kind of mercenary?" A chubby boy said pointing to them.
Professor Colbert walked up next to Louise and begun to examine the unconscious figures. The girl had bunny ears and a puffy white tail, on her back was what looked to be a miniature lance and a shield. Louise could hear several of her classmates squealing; whether it was fear or affection she couldn't tell.
Walking over to them, Colbert shook them slightly. The boy merely waved him off and rolled over unintentionally throwing his arm over the bunny girl, Colbert sighed.
"They're out, Miss Valliere you must finish the contract." Colbert turned to Louise.
"With both of them?" Louise wondered. Colbert nodded.
"But Professor, This boy can't be my familiar; I wouldn't mind having the girl but do I have to with the boy? It's unheard of to have a peasant as a familiar!"
"Like it or not Miss Valliere but they're both your familiars; now finish the contract or I'll be forced to expel you from the institute."
"Go for it Louise!" Kirche teased. Louise looked it her and growled.
Looking back to her unconscious familiars, she sighed and pushed the boys arm off, kneeling beside the bunny girl Louise gently picked up her head and moved her face closer to her own, finishing the ritual. "My name is Louise Francoise le Blanc de la Valliere," she began "Oh pentagon of the Five Powers, bless these individuals, and make them my familiars."
Louise took a deep breath and closed her eyes, leaning towards the bunny girl to have her lips embrace against hers. A hush fell over the crowd as every boy present held their breath on silent anticipation as they readied themselves to witness the kind of kiss most of them had only thought of in their wildest dreams. Finally Louise lips kissed make contact the her familiars, after a second or two she pulled away and watched as the Familiar's runes were burned onto her hand.
The girl groaned quietly, biting her lip she drew blood before the pain receded. Louise nervously looked back to see many the guys blushing happily, several of them with nose bleeds. She sighed turning to the boy, she gulped. Picking his head up, she whispered to him. "Be thankful Peasant, normally someone of noble birth would never do this for a peasant like you."
Louise closed her eyes and kissed him, finishing the ritual. Opening her eyes, Louise squealed in shock and had nearly jumped backwards in shock. The boy was awake and staring back it her, an angry expression on his face. The boy grabbed Louise by the throat, standing up, he hoisting Louise up into the air with one hand. Louise choked; looking back down it him she saw that his eyes were two separate colors one red and blue. Grabbing the hand it her neck, it was cold, and she noticed he wore gauntlets beneath his sleeves.
"Drop her, now!" Colbert ordered pointing his staff it the boy.
Looking at Colbert, he growled. Suddenly he started groaning in pain, dropping Louise, he grabbed his hand moaning. Louise quickly scurried away as she watched a light shine from beneath his gauntlet.
Falling to his knees, the burning pain finally subsided. Panting, he reached for a one of the swords on his back, he paused. Looking at Colbert, his staff still pointed in his direction, he sighed and stood up. Casting Louise another angry glance, she flinched, before finally turning around he looked at the black bags stacked before him.
"Miss Valliere, are you alright?" Colbert asked kneeling beside her.
"Yeah... I'm fine..." Louise coughed rubbing her throat.
"Nice familiar you got there Louise." Kirche teased from a safe distance.
"He still looks kind of angry." Guiche added from his hiding spot in a nearby rose bush.
"Alright that's enough for today everyone, you're all dismissed." Colbert said, sending away the student's and their newly summoned familiars. "Miss Valliere, will you be alright with him?"
"Y-yeah, I can handle a lowly peasant." Louise stood up, gulped and started walking over to the boy, Colbert followed right behind her, still worried.
By now, the familiar was searching through the cases. Currently he held a small glass jar filled with a red colored powered, closed off with a cork. Standing behind Louise took a deep breath.
"What is it?" he asked closing the jar back into the case.
Louise huffed, how dare he talk to her, a noble, in such a matter. Angry, Louise pointed her wand it him, Colbert stopped her from continuing. Shaking his head, Colbert proceeded to talk with the young him.
"Are you alright sir?" he asked.
"Yeah, what did she do to me?" he asked looking through another case.
"Miss Valliere finished the binding contract with you."
"And that requires her to kiss me?" he asked standing up, finally looking him eye to eye.
"Err... well... yes." Colbert nodded unsure of how to respond.
"I see, what exactly is a binding contract and can I at least have the name of the one who stole my first kiss?" he asked looking it her.
"Louise." she said looking away from him, blushing.
"Well Drake, the binding contract binds you to Miss Valliere as her familiar. A familiar is a lifelong friend and companion to a mage. I'm afraid I don't have much time, I must get going, please follow Miss Valliere, she will show you where you'll be sleeping." Colbert said gesturing to Louise.
"Hold it, what's this about?" Drake demanded removing his gauntlet revealing the runes burned onto his hand.
"That's the rune that binds a familiar to their master... hmm?" Colbert squinted, looking closer at the runes; taking a sheet of parchment from his pocket he copied the runes. Colbert quickly left after he finished copying the rune leaving Louise with her new familiars. Looking at Drake, Louise sighed.
"Follow me, I'll show you where you'll be sleeping."
"What about her?" Drake said pointing to the unconscious Faunus sleeping in the ground.
"Carry her, just don't drop her."
"And my luggage?"
"I'll have the servants get them, now hurry up!" she shouted walking away from him.
Walking over to Tashibi, Drake sighed in annoyance. Kneeling down, he picked up the sleeping Faunus bridal style before following Louise. "The way she acts, I can hardly see us being friends. Acquaintance at best." he muttered leaving the courtyard.
A great deal of time has pass since that morning, night now lingered outside and Louise was sitting down in her room, annoyed that one side of her room was now filled with black luggage, one now sweaty familiar and a girl Louise was told is called a Faunus.
"So let me get this straight," Drake said as he did a set of pushups. "We're in The Kingdom of Tristein, this is the Tristein Academy of magic, you're a student and a noble, and only the nobility can use magic while everyone is a pathetic weakling how has to do everything you nobles say."
Louise could feel her eyebrow twitching, sighing she nodded. "That's not how I would put it but... yes. And you will not refer to me as you, I name is Louise de la Valliere." Louise looked to the sleeping Faunus on her bed. "Now, you say you're both from a different word? One filled with monster of something called Grimm, she is called a Faunus and you two were starting your studies at some Academy called Beacon to become Huntsmen and Huntresses?"
"That's the gist of it." Drake replied finishing his set.
"I don't believe you." Louise said plugging her nose.
"I don't believe this world yet here we are." Drake stood up stretching his arms.
Louise gaged on the stink of his sweat and attempted to fan it away. "Go clean yourself, you stink!"
Drake merely shrugged, leaving the room Louise opened the window and begun to air out the room. Looking to the bed, Louise smiled at the sleeping Faunus on her bed. "At least you haven't caused me any trouble yet."
Drake sighed from the stairwell. Louise didn't seem happy with him being there, that was clear, but that was clear, but why was she ok with the Faunus, Tashibi? She was a person as well like him, maybe it was the ears... should he... no, he wasn't one to purposely draw attention to himself.
"I should check the gear my father sent with me," he said out loud to himself. "I have yet to see what he sent me with and knowing my father it will no doubt be useful."
"What are you talking about peasant?" Guiche interrupted pausing his wooing of the brunette beside him.
Looking back at him, Drake gave him a cold stared. "Nothing that concerns you." Guiche gave him a nasty stare.
"You know, you caused quite a stir among the first year students as well. Don't you have anything to say about it?"
"No, I don't think so." Drake turned the corner heading farther down the tower, leaving Guiche and the brown haired girl.
"That was awfully rude, and he needs a bath too." Guiche frowned plugging his nose.
"Don't remind me." Drake thought walking down the stairs.
At what he assumed was the base of the tower he found the room to be big a spacious, there were couches and end tables alongside the wall, there were also paintings and lamps. In the center of the circular room was a fountain, sitting on it was one of the girls from that afternoon with some tanned skinned guy in a purple cloak.
"Looks like I found the bottom." Looking around, a thought popped up in his head. "Before the bath, I should try to figure out if I'm still on Vytal. If what Louise said is true, and I really hope it isn't, then I shouldn't be able to get a signal."
Leaning against the wall Drake grabbed his scroll off his belt. Activating his scroll he opened it and tried sending out calls to his parents, no luck. All that appeared was a notice saying "No Signal". Drake sighed in disappointment, no signal meant no rescue, and no rescue meant he was stuck here.
Deactivating the scroll, Drake replaced it on his belt and left the tower. Outside he looked up at the moons, for the longest time he'd never seen the stars, it least not this clearly. Closing his eyes he took a deep breath, a purple glow shone around his body. Opening his eyes, they changed from red and blue, to a matching purple color.
Through his eye he could see the courtyard, it was bright and sunny and there was a large ring of student's around him and Guiche, both looked ready to fight. Just as the battle begun, his Aura faded and his vision of the future ended.
Feeling lightheaded, he allowed himself to stagger. Shaking his head he looked back to the courtyard in front of him, he smiled. "A fight huh? I wonder what we're fighting about."
End of Chapter 1
Hey guys, hope you all liked at and stay tuned for chapter 2, I look forward to hearing your comments. Bye!


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A Rabbi's World
In the Beginning
Culture View
First Person
A Rabbi's World
First Person
Tim Boxer
A Rabbi's World
Culture View
A Rabbi's World
The extended family of the Zamir Chorale, and its parent organization, the Zamir Choral Foundation, suffered a painful loss last week. Chuck Kleinhaus, one of the original founding members of the choir that would eventually become Zamir, died in Jerusalem after a difficult, courageous battle with cancer. Slowly and painfully, the man who had been the epitome of good cheer, optimism and ageless, easy, gracious charm was humbled and ultimately claimed by a brutal and unrelenting disease.
Just a little over a year ago, when the Zamir Chorale celebrated its fiftieth anniversary with a sold-out concert at Carnegie Hall, Chuck and his beloved Tami came to New York to take part in the celebration. At the spirited gala dinner on the Saturday night preceding the concert, I had the opportunity, as emcee of the evening's program, to publicly recognize Chuck's seminal contribution to the development of Zamir.
Fifty years earlier, in Camp Massad, a small group of staff members, among them Chuck and a promising young musical talent named Stanley Sperber, joined together around their love of singing, and of Israel, and thus was the Massad Choral Group formed. Stanley was the musician whose brilliant musicality, conducting talent and knowledge of Israeli music was essential to the group's founding. But Chuck was the organizational glue that helped the group cohere and sustain itself as it grew in ability and popularity, eventually becoming the Zamir Chorale.
That was more than fifty years ago. In the interim, life happened. Ultimately, both Chuck and Stanley would fulfill their Zionist ideal and move to Israel, with Stanley becoming a major force in Israel's classical music scene, and Chuck developing a successful law practice in Jerusalem- and continuing to sing. Those of us who were lucky enough to be a part of the Zamir experience in those early years before their Aliyah have carried the wonderful memories of those early friendships throughout our adult lives. And through the years, those two great friends from Camp Massad, Chuck and Stanley, remained the best of friends, as much like brothers, really, as friends. The Talmud teaches us that Ein ish met elah l'ishto- roughly translated, a man's death weighs more heavily on his wife than on anyone else. That is certainly true. Losing your best friend, though, has to be a close second.
And for those of us who remained friends with Chuck across oceans and time zones, despite the myriad challenges of sustaining meaningful friendships from afar, we, too, grieve. The joy of singing the music of our people together has, at least for the moment, given way to a much quieter and less resonant world...
Singing with Zamir was never just about the music, and it still isn't. It has always been about the fusion of great music, passionate Zionism, and love of Judaism and the Jewish people. This past week, I was reminded that, perhaps most of all, it is also about the friendships that are produced when those powerful ingredients are all combined and given a chance to impact each other. Times pass, everything changes. The choir that was once led so wonderfully by Stanley is now under the musical direction of another great musician and passionate Jew, our dear friend Matthew Lazar. Aval hamanginah tamid nish'eret… but the sweet melody of the old friendships lingers on.
This picture of me with Chuck was taken backstage at Carnegie Hall, right before the fiftieth anniversary concert:
As it turned out, that was the last time any of us saw Chuck before he was diagnosed. Although, in retrospect, he may have already been suffering from the early symptoms of his illness, he was as warm and gracious to me as ever, and it felt so very good to see him…
I'm told that Chuck gave specific instructions that there be no eulogies at his funeral, and I'm not surprised. He was much too humble to allow people to praise him publicly. Sorry, Chuck- you were also much too good to let go of without at least a few words of tribute. Y'heh zichro baruch; may his memory be for a blessing.
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In my mind's eye and ear, I still recall those wonderful days in Camp Massad, and hearing the practicing of the group which was later to be the Massad Choral Group. Chuck Kleinhaus and Stanley Sperber's efforts live on.

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Mallrats (10th Anniversary Extended Edition)
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The film, whichever version you choose, is classic Kevin Smith. As a follow-up to "Clerks," it suffers, but if you want to be entertained and want to laugh, this is the right place to come. The story is centered on two slackers, who are both dumped at the same time and come to the mall to cope. Along the way, they run into friends, enemies, crooked security guards, nerdy comic book fans, Stan Lee, and the infamous Jay And Silent Bob. Dick and fart jokes ensue. Not only is it Smith's first "colored" flick, but it is also his first time working under a studio, and his first time working with View Askew regulars Ben Affleck and Jason Lee (who play enemies in this movie). These two findings were pure gold.Read more ›
The quotable lines are countless. The talent found in casting is absolutely outstanding. The dialogue is quirky, thoughtful and biting, etc., etc... It's difficult to attribute the movie's failure to anything other than poor marketing and it not being properly prioritized by Rogue Pictures. But, whatever the cause, Mallrats has found it's cult following in the years following its release. It's too good a movie to have remained unnoticed and unappreciated for too long.
The 10th Anniversary DVD includes an extended version of the movie, as edited by Kevin Smith himself, while pleasuring himself so that he could truly "enjoy" his work (as revealed in the bonus interview). This version is hilarious and it gives you a slightly different feel for the movie, as alternate scenes or settings are used in certain places. It's interesting and just as hilarious as the theatrical version. The bonus DVD also includes a few featurettes, interviews and a feature commentary track with most of the cast.
Great movie, great DVD edition - Highly Recommended!
This movie follows along in the classical steps of such 80's movies such as "Screwballs", "Porky's", and "The Invisible Kid". In fact, one of its best descriptions is that it is a smart "Porky's".
In "Mallrats", Kevin once again revisits the Tri-town area of New Jersey, as every other moive in the View Askewniverse. The two unlikely heroes, Brodie and T.S. Quint (a shameless, yet clever plug for one of Kevin's favorite movie, "Jaws") have both been dumped by their girlfriends. And only in the mall can they find solace and comfort.
Brodie and T.S. run into all sorts of characters, including Jay and Silent Bob. Throughout the whole day, the try to find ways to get their girlfriends back. And in true 80's fashion, the guys get the girls and some breasts are shown. Not too bad for a movie that flopped in the box office.
Witty, intelligent, and hilarious, "Mallrats" has become a cult classic and any person who enjoys Kevin Smith should own a copy, along with his other movies, "Clerks", "Chasing Amy", and "Dogma".
Kevin Smith's follow-up to 1994's "Clerks" was not-so-well-recieved by the critics.
The box-office numbers didn't treat the flick too kindly, either.
See? The stuff cult classics are made of.
The critics were wrong and the movie goers must have been napping in late 1995, because this film is hysterical from start to finish.
Buy this one, folks. You can't go wrong with a Kevin Smith movie. Buy it for the commentary, buy it for the deleted scenes (over one hour's worth), buy it for the witty dialog of Jason Lee, buy it to laugh at Jeremy London's acting skills; but most of all, buy it for the movie itself.
While you're at it, buy "Clerks" and "Chasing Amy," too. And get a copy of "Dogma" (the best of the four) when it's released on DVD on May 2.
Remember: Kevin Smith is the best screenwriter out there, so buy it. You won't be sorry.
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We didn't get to finish it😫😫😫 fell asleep and paused it then had a super busy day and we wish we coulda finished it the day after that but the viewing time was up, our bad.. Read morePublished 1 day ago by Rachel Mullen
Kevin Smith is a genius . 'Excitement, thrills-theJedi craves not these things"
This movie is just overall amazing!! Start to finish I laugh!Published 1 month ago by Amazon Customer
To this day I cannot see why this film did so badly and how people can sit there and blast it. As most people agree, the dialogue plays a decent part on why Smith films are so... Read morePublished 1 month ago by glenn thompson
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Easy-to-Build Bird Feeders: Storey's Country Wisdom Bulletin A-209 Paperback – Jan 8 1999
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Since the 1973 publication of Storey's first Country Wisdom Bulletin, our commitment to preserving the arts, crafts, and skills of country life has never wavered. We now have more than 200 titles in this series of 32-page publications, and their remarkable popularity reflects the common desire of country and city dwellers alike to cultivate personal independence in everyday life.
Storey's Country Wisdom Bulletins contain practical, hands-on instructions designed to help you master dozens of country living skills quickly and easily. From traditional skills to the newest techniques, Storey's Bulletins provide a foundation of earth-friendly information for the way you want to live today.
About the Author
Mary Twitchell is a carpenter and a freelance writer. She lives in northern Vermont.
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text:
Reddit: "What Narcissim looks like."
Puff Daddy, P. Diddy? You gotta give Him credit: he's so caught up in himself, he's got no perspective. Naked women? Anh. Rather pain myself.
He's a spider caught up in his own web. And we're all that way. Luckily, for most of us, our egos are far less convincing. They cause us trouble: I know I, when I'm caught up in myself, am miserable, and create discord wherever I go.
So, soon, I head back to the meditation cushion, until I am no longer my only reference point.
And, finally, surprisingly, suddenly—I'm at home with myself.
hot on elephant
July's Full Moon in Capricorn: The Heart wants what it Wants. The 4 Stages of a Good Divorce. A Letter to my Children: You do not come from a Broken Home. Our Soulmates are Rarely Who We Expect. Men, Let's Stop Fooling Ourselves: Size Matters. To the One Who Tried to Break Me. Mom, can I Call her Mom, Too? An Open Letter to the Fixers. How your Stored Memories in the Amygdala can lead to PTSD. Jon Stewart makes first appearance since retiring—"it's not your country."


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Lessons for Life
Whether it's learning how to swim or splashing about with your family, the YMCA has been involved in Aquatics since the late 1800's. The YMCA created formalized swim lessons and gave birth to what we now call Swim Teams. The Y was instrumental in developing the first lifeguard certification training and remains today the largest provider of certifications in the country.
Various times are set aside for recreational swim. Children under the age of 7 and those who cannot stand in the shallow end or pass the deep water test must have supervision by an "in-water" adult at least 18 years of age.
Exercise Programs
Lap swim times are available throughout the day for those whose favorite form of exercise happens in the pool. Anybody with the ability to swim the length of the pool is welcome to utilize the lap swim times. We also offer aqua aerobics exercise classes at various levels of intensity along with aqua sculpt and water jog (check fitness and pool schedules for current times).
At the Y, we know kids need lots of practice in the water to become proficient swimmers. That's why we offer swim lessons year-round.
Call 442-9622 or click here for exact times. You can also click the "register online" button to view detailed information on days and times of lessons available.
Helpful Information...
1. Please bring your child to class on the first day with a suit, goggles, a towel and any supplies to shower with before and after pool use. Long hair needs to be put up or tied back. No lifejackets are needed. Parents will not be in the water unless you have signed up for the Aquatot level.
2. Class ratios of kids to instructors will be kept relatively low at 4:1 for ages 3-5, 5:1 for ages 6-8 and 6:1 for ages 9+. This enables proper amount of one on one work versus group activity.
3. Remember, it is perfectly normal for a child to repeat a level 2 or 3 or even up to 4+ times. The YMCA recognizes that children learn at their own rate and we keep this in mind for all levels. If specialty training is needed, private swim lessons are available.
4. On the last day of class the instructor will give a progress report with their child's progress and which level to sign them up for in the future. If you have any specific questions please ask the instructor during their free time, or contact Dawn Edgar at email@example.com
JuST SWIM!
JUNIOR SWIM TEAM is designed for kids who know how to swim and are looking for new challenges in the water but who cannot commit to a 9-month swim season. Junior Swim Team (JuST Swim!) follows our youth sports schedule allowing kids an opportunity to experience a competitive swim program right here in Helena. No driving, no overnight hotel stays....just good clean fun and lots of improved skills. JuST Swim is staffed by our experienced Y staff and parent volunteers. The emphasis will be on stroke development, refining swim techniques and preparing kids for lifetime of active water enjoyment.
Ages: 7-14 years, must be able to swim the entire length of the pool without assistance
Cost: $60 members/$120 non-members
Summer 2016 Session: June 27 - August 4, 2016. Monday & Wednesday (4:00-5:00 PM). Two inter-squad meets will be scheduled to allow kids an opportunity to practice their skills against each other in a friendly, yet competitive environment.
For Additional information contact Dawn Edgar at firstname.lastname@example.com
Aquaerobics - Monday thru Friday 9:00 AM -10:00 AM and Mon/Wed/Fri 1:00-2:00 PM
Water Sculpt - Tuesday & Thursday 1:00-2:00 PM (Suspended until Fall 2016)
Master's Swim - Tuesday and Thursday 12:00 PM –1:00 PM (Suspended until Fall 2016)
Water Polo - Fridays 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM (Suspended until Fall 2016)
See pool schedule for lap swim and recreational swim times
Participants must be at least 15 years old and able to pass a 300 Yard swim test. (Participants must be able to demonstrate rotary breathing during the swim. The distance may be swam any combination of freestyle or breast stroke.)
Next Class: May 14 & 15, 2016
Fee: $150 per person
Saturday: 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Sunday: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Courses are limited to 10 participants. A non-refundable deposit 0f $50 plus the class fee of $100 is required at time of registration. Spots are given on a first come first serve basis.
This course is a blended learning course. Participants will be expected to complete coursework online before coming to the onsite review and skill sessions. Participants must attend all class sessions. No exceptions.


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Most Cited Design Studies Articles
The most cited articles published since 2011, extracted from Scopus.
The core of 'design thinking' and its applicationKees Dorst
Volume 32, Issue 6, November 2011, Pages 521-532
In the last few years, "Design Thinking" has gained popularity - it is now seen as an exciting new paradigm for dealing with problems in sectors as far a field as IT, Business, Education and Medicine. This potential success challenges the design research community to provide unambiguous answers to two key questions: "What is the core of Design Thinking?" and "What could it bring to practitioners and organisations in other fields?". We sketch a partial answer by considering the fundamental reasoning pattern behind design, and then looking at the core design practices of framing and frame creation. The paper ends with an exploration of the way in which these core design practices can be adopted for organisational problem solving and innovation. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Assessing design creativityPrabir Sarkar | Amaresh Chakrabarti
Volume 32, Issue 4, July 2011, Pages 348-383
Creativity is crucial for designing products and enabling innovation. Assessing creativity can help identify innovative designers and products, and support improvement of both. The literature variously defines creativity as a function of degree of novelty, usefulness, or both. Most methods for assessing creativity, however, focus only on assessing novelty of products. This research proposes a new method for assessing the creativity of products as a function of their novelty and usefulness. We develop individual methods for assessing novelty and usefulness of products, and then combine these into a method for assessing creativity of products. The proposed methods have been evaluated by benchmarking them, and other methods available from literature, against the collective, intuitive assessment of product creativity of experienced designers. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Personas and user-centered design: How can personas benefit product design processes?Tomasz Miaskiewicz | Kenneth A. Kozar
Volume 32, Issue 5, September 2011, Pages 417-430
This paper investigates personas, an alternative method for representing and communicating customer needs. By using a narrative, picture, and name, a persona provides product designers with a vivid representation of the design target. Numerous benefits of incorporating personas into product design approaches have been suggested, but the present literature fails to identify the most significant and universal advantages of persona use. By incorporating expert opinion through the use of Delphi methodology, this research first examines the benefits of incorporating personas into design processes. After gaining consensus on the perceived importance of the individual benefits, this paper then elaborates on the most significant benefits of persona use and needed future research on the personas method. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
The effects of physical prototyping and group work on the reduction of design fixationRobert J. Youmans
Volume 32, Issue 2, March 2011, Pages 115-138
Innovation is important for successful designs, but design fixation likely prevents designers from reaching their innovative potential. Participants in this study were 120 students, 80 of which had design backgrounds. Participants saw an example tool, and then worked alone or in small groups to design two new tools using a construction set. All participants designed two tools: one in a physical prototyping environment and one in an environment without physical prototyping. Results showed that designs were better and contained fewer fixations to the example tool when designed in the physical prototyping environment, but that groups designed better tools than individuals or nominal groups when no physical prototyping was available. These results underscore the importance of physical prototyping in design. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Inspiring design ideas with textsGabriela Goldschmidt | Anat Litan Sever
Volume 32, Issue 2, March 2011, Pages 139-155
A design is said to be as successful as the leading idea that drives it is. Mature designers make frequent use of 'stock ideas' accumulated over time and stored in memory and personal archives. Novices do not yet possess developed collections of sources that can be tapped. In this study it was hypothesized that stimuli in the form of texts presented to student-designers along with a design problem, would improve the quality of their design solution. Results show that text-stimuli yield designs that receive higher originality grades compared to a no-stimulus condition, but practicality is not affected. We propose that textual stimuli may be useful as part of the design process and as a pedagogical tool in the design studio. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Comparing collaborative co-located and distributed design processes in digital and traditional sketching environments: A protocol study using the function-behaviour-structure coding schemeH. H. Tang | Y. Y. Lee | J. S. Gero
Volume 32, Issue 1, January 2011, Pages 1-29
This study compares the design processes of designers in both digital and traditional sketching environments, where the digital environment emulates the traditional face-to-face, pen-and-paper environment. The design processes were empirically examined through protocol analysis using a coding scheme based on the function-behaviour-structure ontology. The distributions of the different types of segments, and their transitions in the two environments were quantitatively compared using Chi-Square tests and Paired-T tests. The results indicate that the design processes in the two environments were not statistically different in terms of their distributions and transitions. The higher-level cognitive activities were not affected by the change of medium. Some implications for design computing and design practice are discussed. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Creativity through design heuristics: A case study of expert product designSeda Yilmaz | Colleen M. Seifert
Volume 32, Issue 4, July 2011, Pages 384-415
Research has shown that cognition often relies on simplified heuristics; however, few studies have explored the role of heuristics in design. We propose that designers utilize specific heuristics to explore the problem space of potential concepts, leading to the generation of novel and creative solutions. Design heuristic use in the early stages of product conception was examined through a case study of an expert industrial designer working on a real-world project. Sequences of exploratory concept sketches were analyzed for evidence of design heuristic use in generating concepts. This case study uncovers design heuristics that promote variation in concepts and alter existing solutions, supporting the claim that expertise incorporates the use of heuristics to maximize creativity and diversity in designs. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Impacts of VR 3D sketching on novice designers' spatial cognition in collaborative conceptual architectural designFarzad Pour Rahimian | Rahinah Ibrahim
Volume 32, Issue 3, May 2011, Pages 255-291
Conventional Computer Aided Design tools lack intuitivity for being used in conceptual architectural design process. This paper identifies the impact of using a haptic based VR 3D sketching interface for integrating novice designers' cognitions and actions to improve design creativity. This study employs protocol analysis for comparing the collective cognitive and collaborative design protocols of three pairs of novice architectural designers in both 3D and manual sketching sessions. Results show that the simple and tangible haptic based design interface improved designers' cognitive and collaborative activities. These improvements also increased their engagement with 'problem-space' and 'solution-space' that led towards more artefact maturity. Research findings from this study can help the development of cutting-edge haptic-based collaborative virtual environments in architectural education and associated professions. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Designing change by living changeKakee Scott | Conny Bakker | Jaco Quist
Volume 33, Issue 3, May 2012, Pages 279-297
As design for sustainability extends beyond its origins in engineering, and therefore production, increasing attention has been put on the roles technologies and designed artifacts play in mitigating or exacerbating consumption-related impacts. However, there is a prevalence of efforts in user-centered and behavior-based design lacking the systemic perspectives necessary to appropriately address the social nature of consumption. In response, interest has grown for applying theories of social practice to design processes in order to address the socio-technical dynamics behind consumption. This paper introduces a methodology for 'practice-oriented design' using collaborative processes of discursive analysis and experimentation in everyday life. A pilot study conducted for the EU Living Lab project, using a case on bathing, demonstrates early exploration work. Copyright © 2011 Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Briefing and reframing: A situated practiceBec Paton | Kees Dorst
Volume 32, Issue 6, November 2011, Pages 573-587
The ability to reframe a problematic situation in new and interesting ways is widely seen as one of the key characteristics of design thinking. In this paper we study how experienced designers have professionalised the crucial art of frame communication and new frame adoption with their clients. During briefing, professional designers elicit a client's frame, reframe it to be more workable and desirable, and reflect it back. In this study fifteen experienced visual communications designers were interviewed and asked about briefing activities for what they deemed to be 'typical' and 'innovative' projects. This yielded rich descriptions of strategies that these professional designers used to enable reframing of the situation with clients, insights into possible difficulties and patterns of briefing practices. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
On the value of Virtual Worlds for collaborative designPanayiotis Koutsabasis | Spyros Vosinakis | Katerina Malisova | Nikos Paparounas
Volume 33, Issue 4, July 2012, Pages 357-390
Virtual Worlds have not been deployed widely in collaborative design, and their respective value is largely unknown. In this paper we make a combined use of established principles in design and computer-mediated communication studies to provide an account of their value for collaborative design by presenting three case studies concerned with: (a) review sessions of the architectural design of a cottage; (b) collaborative design of the interior space of an academic laboratory; (c) collaboration of design teams for the user interface design of a multimedia kiosk. We have found that collaborative design in VWs is a very engaging experience for remote participants and can add value to the activities of conceptual design and/or design review in the domains of design examined. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Exploring the process of whole system designFiona Charnley | Mark Lemon | Steve Evans
Volume 32, Issue 2, March 2011, Pages 156-179
This paper explores the adoption of a whole system approach to a more sustainable and innovative design. A case study methodology was utilised to gain improved understanding of whole system design and those factors that substantially influence its success. The paper presents a framework of those factors including the requirement for trans-disciplinary skills, the dynamics of a flattened hierarchy and the need to identify relationships between parts of the system to ultimately optimise the whole. Knowing the factors that influence the process of whole system design provides designers with the knowledge necessary to more effectively work within, manage and facilitate that process. This paper uses anecdotes taken from operational cases, across design contexts, to demonstrate those factors. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
The psychological experience of prototypingElizabeth Gerber | Maureen Carroll
Volume 33, Issue 1, January 2012, Pages 64-84
While scholars have studied what design practices accomplish, few have considered how people feel when enacting these practices. An eighteen-month ethnographic study of a high-tech firm examined the psychological experience of engaging in the practice of low-fidelity prototyping. The study finds that the production and rapid visualization of multiple ideas through low-fidelity prototyping allows practitioners to reframe failure as an opportunity for learning, supports a sense of forward progress, and strengthens beliefs about creative ability. Results suggest how design work practices can be designed to help employees manage in uncertain conditions. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Understanding design research: A bibliometric analysis of Design Studies (1996-2010)Kah Hin Chai | Xin Xiao
Volume 33, Issue 1, January 2012, Pages 24-43
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the core themes of design research by analysing citations of papers in the journal Design Studies. It also aims to find out the evolution and future trends of design research. Methodology: Employing a bibliometrics and network analysis, the paper analyses citations and co-citations from Design Studies. Instead of using the standard analysis method of aggregating author co-citations, this study conducts the analysis at the individual publication level. Research limitations/ recommendations: Due to the limitation of the Scopus database, this study only managed to extract articles with full citations in Design Studies from 1996 to 2010. Further studies could also include articles from 1979 to 1995 by either using some character recognition software or manually extracting them. Findings: The study identifies the core themes centered on design process and design cognition. In addition, it also reveals that the research method protocol analysis has become more popular in recent years among researchers. Originality/value: The main contribution of this paper is the use of a network analysis technique to analyse 12 107 citations in the 459 articles published in Design Studies between 1996 and 2010. Unlike previous review papers which relied heavily on the qualitative observations and reflections of the authors, this paper is the first comprehensive quantitative analysis in this field. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
What can talk tell us about design?: Analyzing conversation to understand practiceArlene Oak
Volume 32, Issue 3, May 2011, Pages 211-234
This paper considers how the conversational aspects of design may be examined from perspectives associated with micro-sociology/social psychology: Symbolic Interactionism (SI) and Conversation Analysis (CA). Since many aspects of design involve face-to-face talk, this paper argues that an SI-informed CA offers an effective approach to understanding how communication and negotiation are central to design. Through analyzing excerpts of talk (an architect's meeting with a client, and a design education critique) we can see how the collaborative nature of conversation contributes to understandings and assessments of objects. This discussion outlines how SI and CA can help delineate the processes that link the details of interaction to the wider social conditions and constraints that impact upon the practices and objects of design. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Knowledge use in an advanced manufacturing environmentNicholas Reed | Jim Scanlan | Gary Wills | Steven T. Halliday
Volume 32, Issue 3, May 2011, Pages 292-312
It is now widely accepted that the active utilisation of a company's knowledge is vital to maintaining competitive advantage in today's knowledge based economy, particularly within design and manufacturing environments. Despite the rising popularity of Knowledge Based Systems [KBS] to support design reuse, designer's interaction with these systems is still poorly understood. This paper presents the results of a longitudinal 'diary study' to evaluate the role of a KBS in designer's activities. The results demonstrate the potential for a KBS to operate as the primary source of codified knowledge for designers and can be a viable alternative to verbal knowledge sharing with experts. A KBS is therefore found to be a significant asset for a Small to Medium Enterprise. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
A framework for sustainable whole systems designJacqualyn L. Blizzard | Leidy E. Klotz
Volume 33, Issue 5, September 2012, Pages 456-479
A whole systems approach, considering the interrelatedness of both problems and solutions, can help create more sustainable designs. Still, designers often apply exclusively reductionist approaches to generate designs. One way to address this issue is to reduce ambiguity in the whole systems approach. This paper describes research to define and unify elements of whole systems design. Elements were identified through a methodical review of sources describing theories, perspectives, and practices from multiple design disciplines. These elements were coded and then organized using concept mapping. The resulting framework has 20 elements categorized as processes, principles, and methods. This framework is meant to help enable more widespread application of whole systems design in practice. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Being a professional: Three lenses into design thinking, acting, and beingRobin S. Adams | Shanna R. Daly | Llewellyn M. Mann | Gloria Dall'Alba
Volume 32, Issue 6, November 2011, Pages 588-607
This paper presents three lenses for interpreting design thinking: a framework on learning to become professionals, and two interpretations of this framework that speak broadly to aspects of 'design thinking'. The first lens draws on a framework for 'an embodied understanding of professional practice' and provides a way to describe how professionals form and organize their knowledge and skills into a particular 'professional-way-of-being'. The second and third lenses provide examples of using this framework to interpret existing results from phenomenographic studies on ways of experiencing design and ways of experiencing cross-disciplinary practice. We conclude with a discussion of how these three lenses contribute to a working synthesis of design thinking and learning. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Characterising affordances: The descriptions-of-affordances-modelAuke J K Pols
Volume 33, Issue 2, March 2012, Pages 113-125
Artefacts offer opportunities for action, 'affordances', that can be described on various levels, from manipulations ('pushing a button') to social activities ('dialling a friend'). However, research in design into affordances has not investigated what an 'action' is, nor has it distinguished those levels. This paper addresses the question of which kinds of descriptions can be applied to affordances. Its main claim is that different descriptions can apply to a single affordance. On this claim a descriptions-of-affordances-model is built that shows how these levels are connected, and that specifies what knowledge the artefact user would need in order to perceive affordances under each kind of description. The paper also shows several ways in which the descriptions-of- affordances-model can contribute to affordance-based design. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
The relation between interaction aesthetics and affordancesIoannis Xenakis | Argyris Arnellos
Volume 34, Issue 1, January 2013, Pages 57-73
Even though aesthetics and affordances are two important factors based on which designers provide effective ways of interaction through their artifacts, there is no study or theoretical model that relates these two aspects of design. We suggest a theoretical explanation that relates the underlying functionality of aesthetics, in particular, of interaction aesthetics and of affordances in the design process. Our claim is that interaction aesthetics are one among other factors that allow users to enhance the detection of action possibilities and consequently, the detection of affordances. Our aim is first to discuss the role of interaction aesthetics in the design process, and second to suggest an explanation for their role in the detection of affordances when users interact with artifacts. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Using eco-design tools: An overview of experts' practicesFlore Vallet | Benoît Eynard | Dominique Millet | Stéphanie Glatard Mahut | Benjamin Tyl | Gwenola Bertoluci
Volume 34, Issue 3, May 2013, Pages 345-377
The practice of eco-design requires relating traditional design criteria to new environmental criteria. So far, few studies have investigated the nature and singularities of eco-design. This article provides some elements of response based upon the redesign of a consumer product (disposable razor). The study was conducted by three groups of experienced eco-designers using existing eco-design tools (SIMAPRO, ECOFAIRE, ECODESIGN PILOT). A protocol analysis with a three-level coding of transactions was carried out for this purpose. Two main findings are reported: (1) environmental assessment, solution finding and strategy definition are the activities which differentiate eco-design from design; (2) environmental initial assessment and strategy definition are more heavily influenced by eco-designers' expertise than support from tools. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
An online affordance evaluation model for product designShih Wen Hsiao | Chiao Fei Hsu | Yin Ting Lee
Volume 33, Issue 2, March 2012, Pages 126-159
This paper aims to establish an online affordance evaluation model for measuring affordance degree to evaluate the usability of a product. By using this model, designers could easily identify the appearance features of a product necessary to be revised and optimized. In addition, an online survey, which replaces the realized operational survey, is also recommended. This model includes three parts: first, identifying the affordance properties and its correlative weights by using multidimensional scaling, K-means clustering and the Analytic Hierarchy Process; second, analyzing the user's tasks and functional components of the product; third, constructing an evaluation model which provides the affordance degree. Finally, a case study with the steam iron GC2510 is performed to verify the effect of this model. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Is stereotyping inevitable when designing with personas?Phil Turner | Susan Turner
Volume 32, Issue 1, January 2011, Pages 30-44
User representations are central to user-centred design, personas being one of the more recent developments. However, such descriptions of people risk stereotyping. We review the genesis and application of personas and kindred representations, and discuss the psychological roots of stereotyping and why it is so powerful. It is also noted that user stereotypes may be broadly accurate. This raises a number of questions. On practical level, as stereotyping is deeply engrained and resistant to circumvention, what are the instrumental approaches to its avoidance? Or, do we simply hope that its effects are not particularly prejudicial or detrimental? We argue that stereotyping in the design of interactive technology may be usefully thought of as comprising a number of tensions (or dialectics). © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
A taste for practices: Unrepressing style in design thinkingCameron Tonkinwise
Volume 32, Issue 6, November 2011, Pages 533-545
The current vogue for design in management discourses results in abstractions of the design process that repress the role of aesthetic judgments. This paper offers an explanation as to why design-as-styling is being neglected or concealed, and then explains what is at stake. It theorizes that a key aspect of the agency of designing, as the creation of artifacts to facilitate activities, lies in this taste literacy of designers. The framework for the argument of this paper is Pierre Bourdieu's notion of 'habitus' and the notion of 'style' as proposed by Fernando Flores and his coauthors. The paper argues that designers are hermeneutists of proximal taste regimes, for the possibilities of new styles of action. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Metrics to assess design guidanceCaroline M. Clevenger | John Haymaker
Volume 32, Issue 5, September 2011, Pages 431-456
Heightened sustainability concerns and emerging technologies give building professionals the desire and ability to explore more alternatives for more objectives. As design challenges become more complicated, and as strategies become more advanced, the need and opportunity emerges to measure processes and to compare the guidance afforded. Through literature review and industry observations, we synthesize a comprehensive framework of definitions and metrics. We apply the metrics to an industry case study to illustrate how they help communicate information about challenges, strategies, and explorations present in the domain of energy efficient design. We measure and compare the guidance provided by applying two strategies to one challenge. The ability to measure guidance marks a valuable step for prescribing design process improvement. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.


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Whitfield Farm Hanoverians
Jun. 17, 2012, 10:45 PM
I've posted this in 2 other forums on COTH but haven't gotten much response. Most of the sellers of these hitches keep saying the western people are using them so...wondering if anyone actually uses these cushioned hitches & if so, do they help & which hitch?


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Wanderlei Silva hit by car while riding bike, needed surgery
Former UFC middleweight and lightweight champion Wanderlei Silva revealed Wednesday that he was hit by a car while riding his bike. In a Facebook statement that was translated by Bloody Elbow, a representative for Silva informed fans that the MMA legend suffered a shoulder injury that required surgery. "We inform that Wand has been in an accident," the statement read. "A...
Via Larry Brown Sports
May 12, 2016 | Discuss
Report: Wanderlei Silva signs with Bellator MMA
After plenty of rumblings throughout the mixed martial arts community, it was reported on Wednesday that MMA legend Wanderlei Silva has agreed to a multi-fight deal with Bellator MMA, who has been scooping up former legends of the sport in recent years. ESPN's Brett Okamoto was first to report the news. After initially receiving a lifetime ban from the Nevada Athletic Commission...
Via Campus Sports Net
March 02, 2016 | Discuss
Wanderlei Silva Released By UFC After Issuing Apology
Wanderlei Silva has finally been granted his wish to be released by the UFC, but that doesn't mean we should expect to see him fighting again any time soon. Silva retired in September of 2014 citing his dissatisfaction with the UFC as the main reason and has continued to attack the promotion since, accusing them […]
Via Fight Of The Night
January 15, 2016 | Discuss
UFC: Wanderlei Silva Being Sued By Company
We've all had issues with our employer at one time or another and spoke up about it but I doubt any of us have been sued like Wanderlei Silva. This week, the UFC's parent company Zuffa LLC formally filed suit against former Pride and UFC veteran Wanderlie Silva over his claims of fights being fixed. According to documents filed in Nevada district court the UFC contends that...
Via BadCulture
July 30, 2015 | Discuss
Wanderlei Silva Fires Back at NAC for Lifetime Ban
The Nevada Athletic Commission may have won the battle against Wanderlei Silva (pictured) Tuesday by fining the now-retired UFC star $70,000 and banning him for life for ducking May's random drug test, but Silva claims the war is only just beginning. Silva took to Twitter shortly after the committee levied their hefty punishment. "Those who are trying to take me down, come get...
Via 5thRound.com
September 23, 2014 | Discuss
MMA fighter gets lifetime ban from Nevada, big fine
It's a good thing Wanderlei Silva (pictured) has retired from mixed martial arts, because the Nevada Athletic Commission has just banned him for life from competing in the state. The NAC also docked Silva $70,000, 10 percent of what he was guaranteed to make in his bout against Chael Sonnen at UFC 175, for running from May's random drug test. Silva was a no-show during Tuesday's...
Via 5thRound.com
September 23, 2014 | Discuss
Wanderlei Silva puts UFC on blast in retirement video
Via another extremely dramatic and over produced video posted on his official YouTube page, one of the most revered mixed martial artists of all-time announced his retirement from the sport today. Unfortunately, this organization took away my desire to fight. I can't do this anymore. I can't be treated this way. And with a heavy heart I come here today to declare: I am stepping...
Via Fight Booth
September 19, 2014 | Discuss
Wanderlei Silva rips UFC in retirement announcement video
On Friday, MMA icon Wanderlei Silva (pictured) unceremoniously announced his retirement from fighting via a YouTube video. The slugger didn't pull any punches on his way out, blasting the UFC for not showing him the proper respect and turning his legion of fans against him. "I am stepping down from the ring. After today, Wanderlei Silva will not fight again," Silva stated....
Via 5thRound.com
September 19, 2014 | Discuss
Wanderlei Silva admits taking banned substance
In a bizarre story a few weeks ago, UFC fighter Wanderlei Silva comically avoided taking a drug test by simply leaving the gym he was working out at and running away from the test collector. Well, on Tuesday he admitted to avoiding that May 24 drug test because he was taking banned substances at the time. The 37-year-old Silva went before the Nevada State Athletic Commission at an...
Via Rumors and Rants
June 18, 2014 | Discuss
Silva admits to taking diuretics
During Tuesday's Nevada State Athletic Commission hearing, UFC star Wanderlei Silva (pictured) faced the firing squad to discuss why he "ran" out the side door of his gym when a NSAC official sprung a random drug test on him on May 24 for his scheduled fight with Chael Sonnen at UFC 175. Silva, with his wife and lawyer Ross Goodman on each side of him, didn't say a single...
Via 5thRound.com
June 18, 2014 | Discuss
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text: News FocusParticle Physics Spontaneous Symmetry Breaking Decanted Adrian Cho Science 14 Sep 2012:Vol. 337, Issue 6100, pp. 1289DOI: 10.1126/science.337.6100.1289 Adrian ChoFind this author on Google Scholar Find this author on PubMed Search for this author on this site Article Figures & Data Info & Metrics eLetters PDF Log in to view full text Username Enter your Sciencemag.org username. Password Enter the password that accompanies your username. Forgot your username or password?Log in Join/Subscribe Purchase Article Activate Member Account Renew Subscription Recommend a subscription to your library Help for librarians


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PITTSBURGH, PA -- Nate McLouth's two-run single in the eighth
capped a three-run rally and the Pittsburgh Pirates sent the
Houston Astros to their seventh loss in eight games with a
rain-soaked 4-3 win Tuesday night.
McLouth's line drive to right on a 3-2 pitch off Doug Brocail
(4-4) scored Jose Bautista and pinch-runner Luis Rivas. Adam
LaRoche, who went 3-for-4, hit his 10th homer earlier that inning,
starting the rally with two outs.
The rain delays totaled 3 hours and 7 minutes - once in the top
of the fourth for 2 hours and 39 minutes and again less than an
hour later during the bottom of the sixth, when play was halted for
28 minutes.


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Magic Time Lapse - The Alps
- Feb 09, 2010
- PauloGabriel
Time Lapse is by far one of the most beautiful video techniques in the world. We often get to see some breathtaking footages, but we found some that are truly magical. These are some Time Lapse videos of the Alps, and it's beautiful.
The guy behind these is Michael Rissi. For more of his work, go visit his website. I hope you all enjoy these! Cheers. ;)
Paulo Gabriel Antunes
I'm Paulo Gabriel, a Publicist by degree and Front-end Developer/Designer by passion with a taste for the meaningful and emotional.


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Chuck SchertleShared publicly -
Ok... so now the NFL schedule is out. And look who is at the bottom of the Strength of Schedule... New England!! Playing teams that have a combined winning percentage of .453. Is this the way to build a dynasty? Oh, and Green Bay is 31 with a strength of schedule of .469. At least Green Bay has 7 quality games with teams over .500 as compared to NE who has 4!!
Add a comment...


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Behind the scenes with Rob Hunter before the first Rob & Karie Show
Rob Hunter has moved up to the 1-3 p.m. slot with Karie Dozer and is now co-host of the Rob & Karie Show.
We talked to Rob minutes before he went on the air to see how he was handling the pressure of his new position.
KTAR's Executive Producer, Sean Hughes, who's a friend and co-worker of Rob's, chatted with us and gave us the scoop on if he thought Rob was just playing it cool.
Either way, Rob was excited and happy to be a part of the new show.
What were your thoughts on the first Rob & Karie Show?
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Original Article
Rebuilding after collapse: evidence for long-term cohort dynamics in the native Hawaiian rain forest
Version of Record online: 27 NOV 2012
DOI: 10.1111/jvs.12000
© 2012 International Association for Vegetation Science
Journal of Vegetation Science
Volume 24, Issue 4, pages 639–650, July 2013
Additional Information
How to Cite
Boehmer, H. J., Wagner, H. H., Jacobi, J. D., Gerrish, G. C., Mueller-Dombois, D. (2013), Rebuilding after collapse: evidence for long-term cohort dynamics in the native Hawaiian rain forest. Journal of Vegetation Science, 24: 639–650. doi: 10.1111/jvs.12000
Publication History
- Issue online: 7 JUN 2013
- Version of Record online: 27 NOV 2012
- Manuscript Accepted: 28 AUG 2012
- Manuscript Received: 21 APR 2011
Funded by
- German Research Foundation. Grant Number: BO 1768
- National Science Foundation grant. Grant Number: DEB-7910993
- Canopy dieback;
- Climate anomalies;
- Cohort senescence;
- Cyclic succession;
- Forest decline;
- Metrosideros polymorpha ;
- Mono-dominant rain forest;
- Montane rain forest;
- Permanent plots;
- Stand demography;
- Volcanic disturbance
Do long-term observations in permanent plots confirm the conceptual model of Metrosideros polymorpha cohort dynamics as postulated in 1987? Do regeneration patterns occur independently of substrate age, i.e. of direct volcanic disturbance impact?
The windward mountain slopes of the younger Mauna Loa and the older Mauna Kea volcanoes (island of Hawaii, USA).
After widespread forest decline (dieback), permanent plots were established in 1976 in 13 dieback and 13 non-dieback patches to monitor the population structure of M. polymorpha at ca. 5-yr intervals. Within each plot of 20 × 20 m, all trees with DBH >2.5 cm were individually tagged, measured and tree vigour assessed; regeneration was quantified in 16 systematically placed subplots of 3 × 5 m. Data collected in the subplots included the total number of M. polymorpha seedlings and saplings (five stem height classes). Here we analyse monitoring data from six time steps from 1976 to 2003 using repeated measures ANOVA to test specific predictions derived from the 1987 conceptual model.
Regeneration was significantly different between dieback and non-dieback plots. In dieback plots, the collapse in the 1970s was followed by a 'sapling wave' that by 2003 led to new cohort stands of M. polymorpha. In non-dieback stands, seedling emergence did not result in sapling waves over the same period. Instead, a 'sapling gap' (i.e. very few or no M. polymorpha saplings) prevailed as typical for mature stands. Canopy dieback in 1976, degree of recovery by 2003 and the number of living trees in 2003 were unrelated to substrate age.
Population development of M. polymorpha supports the cohort dynamics model, which predicts rebuilding of the forest with the same canopy species after dieback. The lack of association with substrate age suggests that the long-term maintenance of cohort structure in M. polymorpha does not depend on volcanic disturbance but may be related to other environmental mechanisms, such as climate anomalies.


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Skip to comments.Why a late arriving tornado season is a bad thing
Posted on 05/21/2013 6:29:09 AM PDT by topher
The Gulf of Mexico's warm air is part of the ingredient for tornado alley in the US. The other ingredient in this mix is cool/cold Canadian air.
The United States was blessed with very few tornadoes in March and April of 2013.
But the United States was going through an extendeded cold spell this Spring.
How cold? Living in Louisiana, the mosquitoes seemed to be blown into the Gulf of Mexico [by a frigid Northernly wind] as fish food most of this Spring. There have been very few mosquitoes bugging us this Spring [so far].
But now the bad news: for the tornado season to start in mid-May/late-May is a very bad thing. Why? Because the days are much longer in late May than they are in late March/early April.
The heating of the sun helps to provide energy for thunderstorms.
Tornado alley is an area where warm air from the Gulf of Mexico streaming North to clash with Canadian air streaming down to the South.
Since daytime heating is longer right now, there is the threat of the tornadoes for a longer period than there would be in late March/early April.
It seems like the days are considerably longer right now than when they were in late March (around Easter Sunday). Hence, a longer day means that more heat is generated for thunderstorms in the afternoon hours.
Without access to the weather data, it is unclear if having longer daytime heating will make these storms stronger.
Apparently, the US Weather Service has been lulled to sleep by the long cool spell this Spring.
Unfortunately, it may have taken the deaths of about 20 school children in Moore, Oklahoma to wake them up...
But it is a fact that thunderstorms are caused by daytime heating. That heating will go on for a longer period of time when the days are longer.
Hence, when Tornado Alley has a late arriving season, red flags should be flying...
Good news this morning. Death toll to revised much lower due to double counting.
Also has plenty to do with cool Canadian air meeting with the gulf air loaded with moisture. Right now it still feels like winter in SD. Forty degrees and the coldest April in years. Oh It's almost June, and it's still cold.
The length of day on March 31 was 12h 38m. The length of day today will be 14h 38m
The length of day March 31 last year was 12h 41m
The length of day May 21 of last year was 14h 40m
Your hypothesis makes no science sense.
There is a scientific reason for longer days this time of year. It is called "Summer." But it happens every year, amazingly, at this same time.
Lots warmer here in SW WI, but still too wet to till the garden. Ground is squishy, but not as bad as some years I recall, when it was like walking on Jello.
April and May were both colder than has been the rule for the past 10 years or so, but it is not out of line for what I recall of the 70s.
What is the difference in longer days preceded by cooler weather and longer days preceded by warmer weather.This does not seem to make sense.A cooler spring just means a later start for tornado season, no? The greater heating on longer days is the same.
This guy reminds me of my mother who, as a young girl growing up in the 1920's, couldn't figure out how the May beetles always knew the date so that they could turn into June bugs exactly on the first day of June.
Of course, grandpa would never tell her the secret.
As the sun moves further north during the summer months, the says are longer in the northern hemisphere.
The days are considerably shorter in the southern hemisphere in the summer months.
The short of this: in the summer, the sun travels farther and farther above the equator until the first day of summer is the longest day in the northern hemisphere.
Now, if you put the same kettle on the stove, and heat for 2 hours, the amount of heat the kettle is exposed to is four times as long.
The number of BTU's would vary, depending on factors.
But if the length of the day is 16 hours instead of 13 hours, there are still 3 more hours that the air can be heated by the sun.
The cool air from the north meeting warm air of the south is the main culprit. If it were the length of day time, Alaska would be the center of the universe for twisters.
Tornado alley is an area where warm air from the Gulf of Mexico streaming North to clash with Canadian air streaming down to the South.
A longer day means that there is more potential heat.
I have lived in South Minnesota and I have lived in South Texas.
The summer days in South Minnesota, I noticed are very long -- much longer than South Texas.
I imagine a place like Duluth, Minnesota would have a sunset very late on June 22th and a sunrise very early on the June 23rd. A very short night. And a very long day...
Right. Storms happen when cold air meets warm, moisture-laden air. If we were getting Global Warming, then the North would be warmer, but the tropics would stay about the same. If we get global cooling then the temperature difference between the north and tropics will get wider, resulting in much more violent storm activity.
"It seems like the days are considerably longer right now than when they were in late March (around Easter Sunday). "
Are you sure? Source?
I think the larger part of the poster's hypothesis is based on the fact that this year, vs last year, the cold has lingered much later into the season. That is surely true in this area (NOVA), where we rarely see 40 degree temps in mid-May, yet last week our temps ranged from 41 (overnight) to one day hitting 82, which is a more typical daytime temp here by mid to late May.
It sure doesn't feel like Summer. It doesn't even feel like Spring some days. This year our mid-day high temps have ranged primarily in the 60s. Throw in a couple extra hours of daylight, and the hypothesis isn't so far out.
From what I could tell yesterday, there was ample warning from numerous outlets regarding the outbreak of severe weather. Yesterday's tragedy is due more to the violence of the storm than any perceived 'sleeping' on the part of NOAA. Nobody was asleep at the switch. It was just a horrible, horrible storm.
Stand by because there's another cold front heading your way. We're supposed to see a 15 to 20 degree drop in temps here in Reno overnight so I'm pretty sure that the same cooler air is headed east to meet up with some of that liquified air from the gulf. Mother nature at her nastiest could be rearing her head again in a couple of days in the plains states. If you have a shelter, use it.
Duluth will be in blue since it is known for it cold weather.
Brownsville will be in green since it is known for it warm weather.
Duluth, MN May 21 - 5:27am - 8:43pm Duluth, MN April 21 - 6:11am - 8:04pm Duluth, MN March 21 - 7:10am - 7:22pm
Duluth, MN June 21 - 5:14am - 9:06pm
Brownsville, TX June 21 - 6:38am - 8:23pm
Brownsville, TX May 21 - 6:41am - 8:12pm
Brownsville, TX April 21 - 7:02am - 7:56pm
Brownsville, TX March 21 - 7:33am - 7:41pm
Duluth, MN May 21 - 5:27am - 8:43pm
Duluth, MN April 21 - 6:11am - 8:04pm
Duluth, MN March 21 - 7:10am - 7:22pm
Note that Duluth has a day that is about 100 minutes longer on June 21 than Brownsville (~ 1 1/2 hours)
The bottom line here is a simple concept on the surface, that becomes extremely complex in short order.
First think of a real, physical greenhouse. Inside it is moist and warmer when it is cold outside, and somewhat cooler when it is hot outside. It is "moderate" because of the humidity in the air.
Now think of the opposite of a greenhouse, the surface of the Moon. If it is daytime, everything is directly hot. But at night, everything is extremely cold. There is no moderation, no moist air, nothing to block the sunlight nor prevent the radiation of heat back into space.
Now think of Earth's atmosphere. When there are lots of high clouds, radiation from the Sun gets through but is trapped in the atmosphere, and doesn't radiate back into space as much. When there are low clouds, more radiation is reflected back into space, so the ground is cooler.
However, when there is little moisture in the air at all, visible or invisible, the ground is more like the Moon, getting hot during the day, but cooling off a lot at night.
This can be very noticeable in the desert, dry air with hot days and cold nights.
There is one more twist to things, that the air over the North Pole seems to be shifting back and forth over the high latitudes, like a beanie on a bald head. When the jet stream goes South into the US, cold air from the Arctic rushes down. But then the jet stream pushes back North on our side of the planet, and rides down on the other side, making things cold in Europe and Russia.
And this is kind of unusual as well, but it is a lot more noticeable when there is little moisture in the air. This is why we had a hard winter and a very long spring.
The big question is why is there less moisture in the atmosphere right now?
Thank you.
The absence of clouds means that the weather 30 to 40 miles from the Gulf is not being influenced by Gulf moisture.
If we have a southerly wind, we tend to have clouds, though they may not be rain producers...
If we have a northerly wind, it usually is a cloudless day as the moisture tends to come from the Rockies and deserts (plains).
I don't have an answer to the question of why less moisture right now, but the Pacific Ocean is a major influence on the West and Midwest in terms of moisture...
>>The length of the day in Duluth, Minnesota on June 22nd is considerably longer than the length of the day in Brownsville, Texas on June 22nd.
As the sun moves further north during the summer months, the says are longer in the northern hemisphere.<<
But it does so every year in pretty much the same way. There is no more "day light" today than the same day for the last million+ years.
That is what I was referring to.
Most of this Spring has been very uneventful.
It is my opinion that we have a late arriving tornado season.
And I could be wrong about that! But our cold Spring, in my opinion, has pushed back when we have started to have severe weather.
The DrudgeReport.com noted about a month ago had very few tornadoes that the United States has had...
>>It sure doesnt feel like Summer. It doesnt even feel like Spring some days. <<
Do not confuse weather with climate.
There are very complex reasons why a "hurricane/tornado season" emerges (none based on AGW), but extended daylight is not one of them (any more than in any other year).
This has changed this year with the cold Spring. One person posted on this thread that it is still too cold to plant anything.
That is unusual.
Latest ice out on Mn Lakes since the early 50's.
We do have a late arriving spring and as a hater of winter, that isn't good.
However, it's well known that May has always been a rough month for weather in Oklahoma and elsewhere in Tornado Alley. But to infer that NOAA was asleep and thus responsible for the deaths of those poor children is a real stretch.
There is a scientific reason for longer days this time of year. It is called Summer. But it happens every year, amazingly, at this same time.
There are other factors in the creation of tornadoes: the clash between a cooler air mass and a warmer air mass.
It is my belief that the sun is a heat engine.
I may be wrong.
But one interesting thing was that a tornado hit the same area in 1999 (but it was a much more powerful tornado -- 300 mph winds versus 200 mph winds).
It would be interesting to study when the most powerful tornadoes occur, and plot them by month as the National Weather Service has done for hurricanes.
Don't park your car on it to see how thick the ice is. [Only let a liberal do that...]
You are correct: it is wrong of me to imply that NOAA is responsible for the deaths of the children.
No excuse. I am just very upset with the Obama Administration, and all the nasty things that it is doing: Benghazi, IRS, DOJ, Fast and Furious, etc.
I am venting in the wrong direction...
All this is granted given, received wisdom and common knowledge and eighth grade science. You respond to a question but do not answer it. Instead you simply say everything you know about the subject. It is if I had asked why one would add curry to a Jello recipe and you reply by reciting to me the directions on the back of the box.
But if they arrive earlier there will be more of them...can't win for losin'!
You Wrote:
...longer days preceded by cooler weather...
Address this first. Note that I may be wrong in what I am suggesting.
I still believe I am right (intuition).
In our current weather, some people have observed fewer clouds this spring. That means the suns heat is not diminished by cloud cover.
If this is the case, then the faucet to turn on energy for tornadoes is greater (the lack of cloud cover means the heat of the sun translates into more heating).
If there is an area near this source of energy that is a clash between cold air/warm air, then there will be more energy.
Longer days translates into more energy ...
Now the other case:
... longer days preceded by warmer weather
Basically, more cloud cover (warmer weather).
With more cloud cover, then there will be less energy available, and the length of the day is less of an issue.
The extreme heat one finds in Death Valley, California or in parts of Arizona (days with temperatures up to 120 degrees) are brought about because these areas do not have any cloud cover -- just dry parts of the country.
No cloud cover means the heat of the sun is the on position, in a sense.
So once we start having warmer days, we may observe more clouds, and the sun's faucet to produce heat is a reduced position.
In my theory, having warmer days first produces cloud cover which in turn reduces some of the heating of the sun.
>>Well, it used to. But now that mankind has dumped so much CO2 in the air, Manns models are showing that soon summer will begin in November and winter will begin in June. ts our fault.<<
Don't forget the solar flares — those are our fault, too!
Dont forget the solar flares those are our fault, too!
You said ... "Apparently, the US Weather Service has been lulled to sleep by the long cool spell this Spring."
BUT ... I don't see anything that indicates that there were lulled to sleep or have done anything different than they always do.
What are you talking about?
This data seems to imply that afternoon heating is a factor in tornado [severe thunderstorm] development.
You are forgetting the cool air coming down from the Rockies too...
Joe Bastardi says it is because global cooling is worse then we thought. We have atmospheric temperatures dropping and less moisture. So the global oceans are also cooling. Colder oceans means less moisture (less evaporation).
If we are heading back into the cold phase of the Ice Age, summers will eventually disappear and be replaced by one long spring. So in Tornado Alley they will have two seasons. Cold/Snowy and Tornado season.
You also have to add into your equation the sun currently being in its moderate to strong phase of cycle 24. Means more energy during the longer summer photo period (daytime). Next winter the sun should be ramping down in intensity and we wont see this moderate to strong activity for a very long time.
Not just severity, but developmental speed could be affected by your point. Have literally watched super cells in west Texas pop up from clear skies to completely cloudy skies in less then an hour this spring/summer. That was the problem in Oklahoma. Fast development out of nowhere.
That's a tricky assumption. A few years ago, some climate researchers went to the Tropics to study humidity, cloud formation, etc., based on the theory that the hotter weather and warmer ocean should be substantially increasing evaporation and cloud formation.
Instead they found not a cloud in the sky. Perhaps a year later, NASA got a shock when it was discovered that the thermosphere the atmosphere from about 85km to 600km had substantially contracted, about a third, without explanation.
Bottom line: nobody has a clue.
The forces at work, in combination with each other, are so vastly greater than our scale that we barely grasp that they exist, but have no idea what they do, or how.
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